Good sports lacking at area games

For what I'm about to say, you are more than welcome to send me all the hate mail you want. Write an e-mail, call Speak Out, tell my parents or relatives or friends to tell me É but listen to what I have to say:

Whatever happened to good old-fashioned sportsmanship and fun? I went to a recent Notre Dame versus Scott City basketball game in Scott City. There was an "incident" that involved both Notre Dame and Scott City coaches and players as they were exiting the court after the first half, and Notre Dame was down by about 30 points.

I want to know why people got so ruffled over a GAME? This is what I don't get. It's a GAME, people! It's not life or death. It's not rocket science. A basketball game is four quarters composed of so many minutes per quarter. After the second one, there is a break. There are two teams, which means one will lose and one will win. And this is where people get confused.

Winning isn't everything in a game. When I went to the game, I was cheering for Scott City. I'm not ashamed to admit it. And yes, they won by a lot. But it wouldn't have mattered one way or another, to me at least. I know it meant a lot to other people, and I won't name any, but you know who you are.

When it comes down to games, violence isn't the answer. I knew that I had to write this column when an announcer came on at the game and reminded everyone it was a competitive, yet educational activity. People should know this without being told.

So the next time you're at a game of any sorts, remember that it's a game and it's not a life or death situation. Yes, it's competitive. But when all empty soda cups and nacho holders are all that's left in the gym, stadium, whatever É it was just a game.

Emily Hendricks is a junior at Central High School. Contact her at ehendricks@semissourian.com.